The culinary landscape of the United States is about to get even more exciting as the Michelin Guide, the globally recognized authority in fine dining, has officially announced its expansion to Atlanta, Georgia. This marks a significant moment for the Peach State and its burgeoning food scene, promising to elevate Atlanta’s status as a premier dining destination in the USA.
Food lovers and travel enthusiasts across the nation are eagerly anticipating the inaugural Michelin Guide Atlanta selection, set to be unveiled in the fall. Atlanta, the vibrant heart of the South, is celebrated for its rich cultural diversity, which naturally translates into an equally dynamic and diverse culinary offering. From sophisticated fine dining establishments to innovative interpretations of classic Southern cuisine and beloved local eateries, Atlanta presents a spectrum of gastronomic experiences worthy of international recognition.
The upcoming guide will feature restaurants throughout the metro Atlanta area, all evaluated by Michelin’s famously anonymous inspectors. These inspectors adhere to a strict and consistent methodology, ensuring that diners receive trustworthy recommendations. The coveted MICHELIN Stars, ranging from one to three, are awarded for exceptional cuisine. Beyond the stars, the guide also highlights restaurants offering outstanding value through the Bib Gourmand designation, and recognizes establishments leading the way in sustainable gastronomy with the MICHELIN Green Star. The guide will also include recommended restaurants, further showcasing the depth and breadth of Atlanta’s culinary talent.
“Atlanta has truly earned its place on the global culinary map,” stated Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guides. “While Southern cuisine is undoubtedly a cornerstone of the city’s food identity, our inspectors have discovered a remarkable depth and breadth of culinary innovation. Atlanta’s dining scene is brimming with creativity and skill, and we are excited to showcase its talent to a global audience.”
The Michelin Guide’s renowned inspectors are already immersed in Atlanta’s dining scene, experiencing restaurants firsthand, anonymously booking reservations and paying for their meals like any other patron. This rigorous, independent approach ensures that every restaurant is evaluated fairly and consistently, based solely on the quality of the food and dining experience.
William Pate, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), emphasized the significance of this recognition for the city. “Atlanta’s culinary scene is a vital part of our city’s identity, reflecting its diversity and constant evolution. For too long, it has been an underappreciated gem. We are confident that the MICHELIN Guide will shine a well-deserved spotlight on our local chefs and cuisine, enhancing Atlanta’s reputation as a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts.”
The Michelin Guide’s expansion into Atlanta is part of its ongoing mission to track and celebrate evolving culinary destinations worldwide. While the Michelin Guide collaborates with Destination Marketing Organizations like ACVB to promote tourism, the restaurant selection process remains entirely independent. The collaboration with ACVB is focused solely on marketing and promotional activities, ensuring the integrity and impartiality of the guide’s selections.
Later this year, the 2023 Atlanta restaurant selection will be complemented by the MICHELIN Guide’s hotel selection, highlighting exceptional and unique places to stay in Atlanta and across the globe. The Michelin Guide’s hotel selection, featuring over 6,000 hotels in more than 130 countries, is curated with the same discerning eye, focusing on hotels that offer outstanding style, service, and personality, catering to a range of budgets. These hotels are also bookable directly through the MICHELIN Guide website and app, offering a comprehensive travel planning resource.
Michelin Guide: A Legacy of Culinary Excellence
The Michelin Guide’s time-tested methodology for restaurant evaluation is based on five universal criteria, ensuring consistency and fairness across all destinations:
- Quality of Products: The freshness and quality of ingredients used.
- Harmony of Flavors: The balance and complexity of flavors in each dish.
- Mastery of Cooking Techniques: The skill and precision in culinary execution.
- Personality and Voice of the Chef: The chef’s unique culinary identity as expressed in their cuisine.
- Consistency Between Visits and Across the Menu: Maintaining a high standard of quality on every visit and throughout the entire menu.
Originally published in France at the dawn of the 20th century, the Michelin Guide was initially conceived to encourage driving and, consequently, tire sales, by providing useful information to motorists. Remarkably, Michelin’s inspectors today uphold the same rigorous standards and evaluation methods established by their predecessors, now applied to culinary scenes around the world.
The first Michelin Guide in North America was launched in New York in 2005. Since then, the guide has expanded to include Washington, D.C., Chicago, California, Miami/Orlando/Tampa (Florida), Colorado, Toronto, and Vancouver, further solidifying its influence on the North American dining scene. Atlanta is the latest major US city to join this prestigious list, signaling its growing culinary prominence.
About Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
Established in 1913, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) serves as the official destination marketing organization for the city of Atlanta. Its mission is to strengthen Atlanta’s economy through conventions and tourism. For more information about Atlanta, visit discoveratlanta.com and follow @discoveratlanta on social media. The arrival of the Michelin Guide is anticipated to further boost Atlanta’s appeal as a top travel and dining destination in the United States and internationally.
